How to Get British Virgin Islands Citizenship

The British Virgin Islands, also known as the Virgin Islands and BVI for short, is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean that offers investors and entrepreneurs an appealing business prospective. Would you like to know how to get British Virgin Islands citizenship? You’re in the right place. In this post, we’ll answer all your questions about acquiring a second passport in this British Overseas Territory and outline the benefits the passport will afford.  

What makes British Virgin Islands citizenship attractive?

British Virgin Island citizens are British overseas territories citizens (BOTC), who were known as British dependent territories citizens until the 26 February 2002. Obtaining BVI citizenship comes with a number of perks.

First and foremost, you can hold a British passport. As of 2002, all British Virgin Island citizens are part of the list of BOTC territories that automatically became British citizens. Other territories that qualify include Turks & Caicos, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Holding a British passport enables you to enter 184 countries or territories without a visa (or apply for a visa on arrival). Moreover, British citizenship grants you the right to consular representation and assistance from the British Foreign Secretary’s diplomatic posts around the world. 

Does the British Virgin Islands offer citizenship by investment?

The British Virgin Islands does not currently run a citizenship by investment programme. Nevertheless, employees of a company wanting to relocate to the country can apply for a work permit and freelancers can apply for a new self-employed work permit. Entrepreneurs and investors, on the other hand, have the opportunity to set up their company in the British Virgin Islands, a decision that comes with plenty of benefits.

Beyond the affordable incorporation fees and efficient timeframes, businesses registering in the BVI can take advantage of no capital gains tax, death duty or inheritance tax, no minimum share capital requirements, no foreign capital restrictions, tax-free rent, dividends, royalties, interests or other forms of compensation, and no currency restrictions, among other benefits. 

british virgin islands visa requirements

Can British citizens move to the British Virgin Islands?

If you are a British national, you may well be wondering if British citizens have the right to move to the British Virgin Islands. While you can certainly move, you will not immediately become a citizen of the British Virgin Islands. Like other foreigners, you will be required to request long-term permission to stay.

Holders of a UK (and USA and Canadian) passport do not need a visa to enter the BVI. You will be issued a 1-month entry stamp on arrival which can be extended up to 6-months at the discretion of the Chief Immigration Officer as long as you can prove that you can support yourself financially. 

Steps to become a citizen of the British Virgin Islands

The process of applying for British Virgin Islands citizenship comprises filling out an application form and submitting the required documents. You will be interviewed by an officer and an application fee will be issued. Depending on the particulars of your citizenship application, the supporting documentation will vary, but you can expect to present the following:  

  • Birth certificate.
  • Birth certificate of your mother/father/spouse/step-father/grandfather/grandmother (if applicable).
  • Death Certificate (if applicable).
  • Belonger Card/Residence Certificate/Card.
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Letter of financial support.
  • Employment letter.
  • Current and expired passports.
  • Local and foreign police records.
  • Trade licence (if applicable).
  • Naturalisation certificate (if applicable).
  • Certificate of Good Standing – Inland Revenue.
  • Certificate of Good Standing – Social Security.
  • Newspaper Clippings.
  • Three photographs.

how to get British virgin islands citizenship

Once your application is approved, you will be notified of the time and date of your Naturalisation Ceremony, which includes the Swearing of Oaths of Allegiance or the Pledge of Loyalty to His Majesty the King. Subsequently, you will see your Naturalisation Certificate confirming your status as a British Overseas Citizen. In terms of timeframe, the whole process takes about six months

Citizenship assistance

If you are interested in pursuing citizenship in the British Virgin Islands, Europe Emirates Group is here to assist. Our friendly and expert team will guide you through the whole process, guaranteeing each step is handled professionally and efficiently. Likewise, we can help you set up a company in the BVI and take care of any extras, such as setting up a bank account. Get in touch today and we’ll start making the arrangements. 

Citizenship, Residency and Relocation Services
Related Post
Citizenship, Residency and Relocation Services 20 July 2023

How to Get Permanent Residency in the UAE

Citizenship, Residency and Relocation Services 26 August 2016

Easy Dual Citizenship With Europe Emirates Group

Citizenship, Residency and Relocation Services 30 December 2021

Consider Alternate Residency in UAE with Residence Visa

Citizenship, Residency and Relocation Services 23 May 2018

10 Year Residency Visa in the UAE: 100% Ownership for Investors

Citizenship, Residency and Relocation Services 2 August 2023

How to Get Your Tax Residency Certificate in Dubai

Citizenship, Residency and Relocation Services 16 June 2019

The Impact of a Long-Term Visa for JAFZA Investors

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Sign up for our monthly news and updates about company regulations worldwide.